The 2023 PFL Challenger Series returns on Friday night with its sixth event of 2023. This week’s Challenger Series card will spotlight the featherweight division. A main event clash between Brahyan Zurcher, a competitor on last year’s Challenger Series, and Tyron Woodley protégé David Evans will close out what should be an exciting show. The event will take place at a sound stage at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Fight fans can catch the sixth week of this year’s PFL Challenger Series streaming live on Fubo TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Zurcher vs. Evans
Despite holding a 4-0 professional record, Zurcher has actually spent half of his professional career under the PFL umbrella. He owns two decision victories at PFL-sponsored events. The first came at last year’s challenger series against Scottie Stockman, with the second happening on a much larger stage at PFL 7: 2022 Playoffs when he defeated Ricardo Jimenez. The 26-year-old will now turn his attention to the biggest test of his career in Evans, a popular competitor on the Midwest regional circuit.
Evans has fought for promotions such as LFA and FAC, but like Zurcher, he too will be looking at the toughest test of his career to date. His only defeat came at the hands of Gauge Young at FAC 12: Lookin’ For a Fight where UFC President Dana White was in attendance.
Kelly vs. Hicks
Ireland’s Nate Kelly made a huge statement when he submitted Ben Ellis of Wales in the first round at PFL 8 2022 Playoffs. The performance ultimately landed him in the Challenger Series, and he will now have the opportunity to become a PFL regular if he can defeat 8-4 Zachary Hicks, who fights out of Nashville MMA. Two of Hicks’ three defeats have come by way of stoppage, and given Kelly’s vast array of tools, he should have a chance to punch his ticket to the 2023 regular season with a win.
Huskic vs. Alves Braga
“The Bosnian Dragon” Ago Huskić is another name that should look familiar to fans of the PFL. Huskić had a one-off in the 2022 regular season when he took on eventual champion Brendan Loughnane at PFL 5 2022. He ultimately lost the fight by way of unanimous decision and has now dropped each of his last three fights. He should have a stiff test in front of him in Gabriel Alves Braga, an 8-0 Brazilian who has recently been fighting for promotions such as LFA and UAE Warriors. As impressive as the Brazilian’s record is, a victory over Huskić could be the thing he needs to make his presence felt on a larger stage.
Gonzalez vs. Singh
Leading off the night will be a short-notice fight between Vikas Singh Ruhil and James Gonzalez. Singh was initially scheduled to take on Igeu Kabesa in battle of international prospects, but Kabesa withdrew earlier in the week. Into the fold now steps Serra-Longo pupil Gonzalez, a 32-year-old who once upon a time defeated UFC competitor Pat Sabatini in CFFC. Singh, meanwhile, will have an opportunity to put his home country on the MMA map if he can score a decisive win over a short-notice opponent. The 30-year-old should have plenty of momentum to help carry him, as he is in the midst of a seven-fight winning streak with five stoppage wins.
PFL Challenger Series 6 Results
Main Card
Brahyan Zurcher def. David Evans via Submission (Neck Crank) at 1:37 of Round 2
Nate Kelly def. Zach Hicks via Submission (RNC) at 2:29 of Round 1
Gabriel Alves Braga def. Ago Huskic via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-27, 29-28)
James Gonzales def. Vikas Singh via TKO (punches) at 4:20 of Round 1
